Top Rated Attractions in Cardiff

Nestled next to the Bristol Channel, the St Donats Castle is a domineering landmark. This medieval castle has made the otherwise quaint Saint Donats village quite popular. Built in the 12th Century, the ownership of this castle has passed through several hands, but originally it belonged to the de Hawey family. The castle is open to visitors only once in a year and the opulent decor, huge dungeons and other antique stuff is certainly worth the wait. Ghost stories and tales about witches and sightings of executed pirates lend a mystic feel to this castle. Currently, it is home to the St Donat's Arts Centre and Atlantic College. For interesting insights, tales of the past and a vivid description of St Donats Castle, tourists can avail guided tours that are generally conducted in the month of August.

Wales Millennium Centre has established itself as one of the world's leading performing arts venues. It presents operas, ballets, contemporary dances and the best international musicals. The Donald Gordon Theatre (main auditorium) seats 1897 and the Studio theater can accommodate up to 250 people. The center also houses eight resident companies: BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Literature Wales, National Dance Company Wales, Tŷ Cerdd, Hijinx Theatre, Touch Trust, and Welsh National Opera. You will also find a wide range of shops and restaurants.

This open-air museum take visitors through centuries of Welsh history and culture from the Celtic age to the modern day. The museum brings together a cross section of Welsh architecture from around the country that have been recreated on the Fagan Castle grounds. Originally called the Welsh Folk Museum, the museum has evolved since its opening in 1948. From Welsh rural life to life experience by the upper classes, the historic buildings include rural farm houses, medieval courts, mills, schools, smithies, chapels, and castles. The museum is a hive of activity, and traditional crafts including clog making and weaving. Festivals and music events held regularly keep Welsh tradition alive and celebrate the richness of the local culture. The beautiful location and old-school ambiance has led to the museum being featured in popular TV series like Dr. Who and Poldark.

The Chapter Arts Centre brings the best of the arts and contemporary culture in Wales to a captive audience. The center organizes regular exhibitions, workshops and dance and drama productions. The two in-house cinemas have disabled facilities, including full wheelchair access and headsets for the hearing impaired. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome. Its cafe is a great place for a snack and a coffee.

This legendary 11th-century castle sits in the heart of Cardiff, engulfed by the blissful meadows of Bute Park. Interspersed with elements of Gothic revival and Victorian architecture, this impressive Welsh landmark is steeped in nearly 2000 years of history. Exuding immense gravitas still, the Cardiff Castle was initially a Norman-era motte-and-bailey castle that transformed into a stone-built entity in the 12th Century, most likely at the behest of the 1st Earl of Gloucester. Its time-honored walls have been testament to years of conflict, but conceal within grandiose alterations that the third Marquess of Bute brought about, with help from renowned architect William Burges.

Wales' premier museum is an impressive, white stone building housing a number of separate exhibition rooms and art galleries. The central exhibition is the multimedia Evolution of Wales, which documents the history of Wales. The galleries include works by some of the world's most famous impressionist painters, as well as displays by Welsh artists. There are sections on natural history, Celtic art and archaeology, while the Clore Discovery Centre offers activities, talks and a hands-on exhibition for all ages.